Current Openings:

• Publicist
• Fundraising Director
• Volunteer Opportunities

Publicist

Hampshire Shakespeare Company is seeking a Publicist for the for the 2020 Summer season of “Shakespeare Under the Stars,” which will include two adult productions and our annual Young Company production.

Shakespeare Under the Stars is an outdoor season, and our shows take place at the Arthur C. Kinney Center for Renaissance Studies on the campus of UMASS Amherst.  Performances start in late June/early July and end in late August. The position of Publicist would start immediately and end on the completion of the season in August. 

The Publicist is primarily responsible for advertising HSC events including auditions, fundraising events, workshops, and the summer season.

Publicist Responsibilities

• Work with local radio stations and newspapers for advertising space
• Submit events to local calendars and theater community listings
• Publicize productions and the Company through avenues including but not limited to:
  • fliers
  • posters
  • websites
  • newspapers
  • newsletters
  • radio
  • social media
• Write, format, produce, and distribute advertisements
• Coordinate photo shoots and timely distribution of photos for all shows

Required Qualifications

• Excellent electronic and verbal communication skills
• Live within reasonable commuting distance to Amherst, MA
• Reliable transportation
• Creative problem solver
• Team player
• Excited to learn
• Flexibility
• Good sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with Hampshire Shakespeare Company
• Marketing/publicity experience
• Community theatre experience
• Graphic design skills
• Relationships with local businesses

While Hampshire Shakespeare is a community theatre, the company offers a small stipend for much of its staff. All stipends are commensurate with experience and company budget.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to hampshire.shakespeare.company@gmail.com. Accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Fundraising Director

Hampshire Shakespeare Company is seeking a Fundraising Director for the for the 2020 Summer season of “Shakespeare Under the Stars,” which will include two adult productions and our annual Young Company production.

Shakespeare Under the Stars is an outdoor season, and our shows take place at the Arthur C. Kinney Center for Renaissance Studies on the campus of UMASS Amherst.  Performances start in late June/early July and end in late August. The position of Fundraising Director would start immediately and end on the completion of the season in August. 

The Fundraising Director will be responsible for soliciting new and past season underwriters, business donors and individual donors in support of the 2020 season.  This includes selling program ads, securing season supporters, and possible ad exchanges for in kind donations.

Fundraising Director Duties

• solicit individuals and organizations for program ads, donations, and in-kind trades
• attend monthly board meetings to report fundraising progress and offer perspective or give monthly reports to the Board
• organize and lead fundraising campaigns, either independently or through third-party associations, and assist in the planning/implementation of fundraising events
• acquire and maintain season underwriters 

Additional responsibilities may include writing grant applications to charitable and governmental organizations based on successful candidate’s expertise and interests

Required Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in spreadsheet technology (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets)
• Willingness to place phone calls and have in-person meetings with potential donors
• Team player
• Excited to learn
• Flexibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Community theatre experience
• Marketing or development experience
• Grant writing experience
• Relationships with local businesses

While Hampshire Shakespeare is a community theatre, the company offers a small stipend for much of its staff. The Fundraising Director will receive a small stipend and commission based on the funds secured for the season.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to hampshire.shakespeare.company@gmail.com. Accepting applications on a rolling basis.

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Volunteer Opportunities

• Backstage Run Crew
  • Work backstage during tech and performances to assist with set up of technical equipment, scene transitions, quick changes, and other needs as they come up.
• Sound/Light Board Operator
  • Run lights or sound during tech and performances, assist with set up of technical equipment, and be responsible for troubleshooting equipment during performances
• Wardrobe Assistants
  • Manage costume care during tech and performances by mending costumes between shows, laundering as needed, and ensuring all costumes are ironed before performances.
• Usher/Front of House Assistant
  • Assist with set up of audience seating, direct parking, hand out programs, assist patrons with seating, hand out bugspray or umbrellas as needed, and help clean up at the end of the night

Note: You do not need to be available for every performance in order to volunteer.

Contact hampshire.shakespeare.company@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering with us!